Letters: No doubt the government will interpret the latest Guardian/ICM poll (Tories open nine-point lead, August 22) as indicating a need to follow Stephen Byers' example in trying to appease the middle classes, who appear to be deserting them for the Tories. This would be a mistake.

Leader: Iran took its time in responding to the incentives it was offered in June to halt nuclear research work. But when it finally gave its answer yesterday there were no surprises and no easy pointers about how to defuse the gathering crisis.

Leader: One thing that has escaped unscathed from the latest Post Office reforms introduced this week is the postage stamp. And with good reason. It has been fit for purpose for 166 years and its pre-paid business model has even been adapted to more recent inventions, such as mobile phones, to great effect.